Transportation & Logistics Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median air traffic controller salary in Erie, PA is $115,399 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$115,399
vs State Avg
$-16,486
vs National
$-21,981
Cost of Living
84%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median air traffic controller salary of $115,399, which is $16,486 below the Pennsylvania state average of $131,885. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $115,399 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Erie spans from $68,880 at the 10th percentile to $166,320 at the 90th percentile — a $97,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
$-30,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $68,880
25th Percentile $90,720
Median (50th) $115,399
75th Percentile $147,000
90th Percentile $166,320

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$140,128
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$129,137
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$127,763
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$120,894
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Erie

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Erie

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Erie

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $115,399 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $68,880 (10th percentile) to $166,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,399, a air traffic controller in Erie earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Erie's median air traffic controller salary of $115,399 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $131,885. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $115,399 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Erie? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Erie require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.